Committee endorses charter of understanding with mana whenua

Invercargill City Council’s Community and Regulatory Committee has signed off on a revised charter of understanding with the four papatipu rūnaka ki Murihiku.

The Charter of Understanding He Huarahi mō Ngā Uri Whakatupu was first signed by Waihōpai, Ōraka-Aparima, Awarua and Hokonui rūnaka, as well as the four Councils of Southland – Invercargill City Council, Environment Southland, and Gore and Southland district councils – in 1997.

The revised charter was presented to the Committee at its meeting today.

Councillor Darren Ludlow, chair of the Community and Regulatory Committee, said the charter underpinned the relationship between mana whenua and local authorities within Southland.

“The updated charter of understanding reflects our commitment to an authentic and enduring partnership with the papatipu rūnaka ki Murihiku. Living documents like He Huarahi mō Ngā Uri Whakatupu ensures our decision-making is grounded in shared values, shared responsibilities, and shared aspirations for the people of our place,” he said.

“We’re proud to reaffirm our relationship with mana whenua – this charter of understanding is an expression of how we choose to walk together.” Proposed updates to the charter through the review process included a greater use of te reo Māori, removed duplication within the charter and updated legislative references. The proposed changes aligned with the original intent of the charter, and did not alter the fundamental commitments it made, Ludlow said.

The updated charter was developed using feedback from each of the rūnaka, as well as each of the signatory Councils – which had, since 1997, expanded to include Queenstown Lakes District Council, Clutha District Council, and the Otago Regional Council.

In July of this year, the then-Invercargill City Council opted not to proceed with endorsing the review report prior to local body elections, which were held in October.

The charter of understanding was last reviewed in 2015. In the future, it would be reviewed at least every five years.

Review process

The review process was informed by kaupapa Māori research approaches and ethics. This included regard for the rights, roles, and responsibilities associated with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The following were its guiding principles:

• Whakapapa: Initial thinking about the genesis and purpose of the review
• Tika: Review design informed by Te Ao Mārama to ensure the review proceeded correctly
• Manaakitanga: Cultural and social responsibility, and respect for the mana of all parties was upheld throughout the review. The review was collaborative, with knowledge flowing both ways
• Mana: Participants worked transparently and respectfully on the review with a focus on dignity and respect
• Kotahitanga: Working as one
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles: Partnership, participation, and protection.